Mbappe closes on Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record
Kylian Mbappé moved within one strike of Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record after scoring twice in France's 3-0 last-32 victory over Sweden on 30 June 2026, passing Ronaldo for the most knockout-stage goals in tournament history and taking the Golden Boot lead over Messi on assists. Michael Olise sits one assist behind Pelé's single-tournament mark, while Erling Haaland extended a run of 25 goals across his last 13 competitive internationals as Norway also advanced.
Key Takeaways
- Mbappé has 18 career World Cup goals—one behind Messi's record of 19—and six at the 2026 finals, level with Messi but ahead on Golden Boot tiebreakers thanks to two assists.
- His 10 knockout-stage goals are the most in men's World Cup history, surpassing Ronaldo; his 22 total goal contributions (18 goals, four assists) rank second all time behind Messi's 27.
- Michael Olise has five assists at the 2026 World Cup; only Pelé's six in 1970 exceed that in a single edition since 1966.
- Erling Haaland has five World Cup goals and has scored 25 times across his last 13 competitive internationals for Norway.
- France face Paraguay in the round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia after hammering Sweden at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How did Mbappé reshape the all-time World Cup record books?
France's round-of-32 rout was built around another dominant night from Mbappé and Michael Olise. The Bayern Munich playmaker set up both of Mbappé's goals and Bradley Barcola's strike as Didier Deschamps' side moved into the last 16.
ESPN's By The Numbers breakdown captured the scale of Mbappé's milestones. His first goal against Sweden broke a tie with Miroslav Klose for second on the all-time men's World Cup scorers list; the brace took him to 18 career tournament goals in 18 appearances.
That leaves Messi alone at the summit with 19 goals across 29 World Cup matches. Mbappé also became the outright leader for knockout-stage scoring with 10 goals, edging past Brazilian great Ronaldo with his opener.
When goals and assists are combined, Mbappé's 22 World Cup goal contributions moved him past Pelé into second place behind only Messi, who has 27. At the 2026 tournament specifically, both forwards have six goals, but Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race because he also has two assists to Messi's none.
Why does Michael Olise sit one assist behind Pelé?
While Mbappé grabbed headlines, Olise delivered the creative spark. He now has five assists at the 2026 World Cup and leads the tournament assists chart.
According to ESPN, only Pelé—with six assists in 1970—has recorded more in a single World Cup edition since 1966. Olise's two helpers against Sweden came in a match France controlled from start to finish, with Sky Sports noting how Les Bleus set up a Paraguay tie in the next round.
France have scored 13 goals across four matches at this tournament. For more live tournament swings, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
What did Haaland achieve as Norway advanced?
The same day of action also reshaped the chasing pack behind Mbappé and Messi. Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the round of 16, where they will meet Brazil.
Haaland's five goals at the 2026 World Cup leave him one behind the co-leaders in the scoring charts. More striking is his international hot streak: ESPN reports he has scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals for Norway, totalling 25 goals in that run.
Where do France go next in the knockout bracket?
Sweden were swept aside 3-0 at MetLife Stadium as France extended a ruthless knockout run. The Guardian's live coverage tracked a performance in which Mbappé and Olise starred throughout, with Barcola adding the second goal eight minutes after half-time.
France now turn to Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday. Full statistical context is available via ESPN's World Cup numbers breakdown, which frames this as the night Mbappé closed on Messi while rewriting several all-time World Cup benchmarks.